NYPD Braces for Knicks Title Celebrations After Game 4 Fan Violence Injures Officers

By Thomas Tracy

Source New York Daily News

With the real possibility that the Knicks could clinch the NBA finals on Saturday night, City Hall and the NYPD are bracing for massive jubilation — and massive arrests of out-of-control fans.

The department is expected to be out in force in Midtown as the Knicks take on the Spurs back in San Antonio for Game 5.

With the team leading the series 3-1, the Knicks could have its first championship victory since 1973 — and could create chaos throughout Manhattan.

“I don’t know if the city can handle this, bro,” former Orlando Magic player and seven-time NBA all-star Tracy McGrady said on his podcast, Cousins, on Wednesday at the beginning of Game 4, speculating on a Knicks title win. “This city is about to be Gotham City.”

“Citizens of New York, stay home,” McGrady warned. “Enjoy it from your television or from your building. Stay inside.”

Ten cops were injured and 56 fans were arrested on Wednesday night when jubilant fans went wild in the streets of Midtown during the Knicks’ come-from-behind victory in the NBA Final Game 4 — with celebrants destroying a yellow cab and Citi Bikes and setting off fireworks.

More antics were expected on Saturday, said officials.

Details on how the department will handle Game 5 are expected to be released Friday, but the coverage is expected to rival, and possibly be greater, than the NYPD’s response to Wednesday’s game, despite there not being a watch party outside MSG.

A several-block frozen zone, which was in place for the Knicks home games on Monday and Wednesday, may also remain in place, officials speculated.

When asked if there should be a watch party at MSG on Saturday night, Gov. Hochul said Thursday “there should be watch parties all over our city.”

“But I’d leave the important decisions up to the NYPD. They’re the ones responsible for the security of the perimeter,” she added. “But my view is, as many fans that can celebrate together (should).” This is magical. It’s once in a lifetime. You’re going to create memories you’ll pass onto your kids because this is our moment.”

The frozen zone remained and hundreds of cops were sent to Midtown even after MSG owner James Dolan pulled the plug on Wednesday’s watch party.

The NYPD didn’t simply send their officers home, a city official with knowledge of the incident said. The department kept them in place so they could move to any spot where fans were getting out of hand, which turned out to be just north of Madison Square Garden.

“This is an exciting time for the Knicks and for fans across New York City,” the NYPD said in a statement released Thursday. “The NYPD wants New Yorkers to be able to enjoy these celebrations, but our primary responsibility is to ensure that everyone can do so safely.”

The department went on to say Wednesday’s out-of-control crowds “demonstrates exactly why the NYPD has increased our presence in and around Madison Square Garden.”

As the game went on Wednesday, crowds north of MSG grew to about 10,000 people and “became increasingly destructive,” the department said.

Videos circulating online show jubilant Knicks fans stomping on Citi Bikes, climbing street lights, attempting to steal traffic signs, and ripping out poles cemented into the sidewalk.

In another video, a group of men, one waving a Palestinian flag, jump onto a yellow cab, shattering the windshield. One of the men was whipping the hood of the cab so hard with a belt he was denting it, the video shows.

The group also tried to flip the taxi over, police said. Fans climbed on top of four NYPD vehicles, damaging their windows. Some broke into a tractor trailer, stealing items inside.

Other videos show fans setting off fireworks in the street and getting quickly arrested.

Fans were accused of blocking traffic, fighting in the street, climbing on top of trucks and throwing bottles at police officers.

One of the 10 cops injured was hit by a thrown bottle, police said.

Those arrested were hit with various charges including assault on a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstructing government administration, officials said.

Several arrests were related to counterfeiting and selling knock-off Knicks apparel, an NYPD source said.

While restaurant and bar owners within the frozen zone bashed the NYPD on Monday for not allowing their patrons through to watch the game at their establishments, the NYPD made sure Wednesday that patrons were able to get to their favorite haunts on Wednesday.

“Local restaurants and bars within the frozen zone were full of patrons who were able to enjoy the game close to MSG, with some seeing long lines of patrons waiting to get into the bars,” an NYPD spokeswoman said Thursday. “The NYPD ensured that these businesses could continue to stay open and that patrons were able to access these restaurants and bars even with the additional security measures.”

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